Report: Apple Developing New Patent for Next-Generation MagSafe Technology for iPhone

Apple is said to be conducting research that could potentially allow it to transfer data wirelessly and even authenticate accessories when connected via MagSafe.

As AppleInsider reports, Apple’s recently granted patent application for “Accessory Devices That Communicate With Electronic Devices” may hold the answer to how the iPhone maker can make its MagSafe technology smarter.

Currently, MagSafe accessories can only charge and magnetically attach to Apple iPhone 12 models and later. Additionally, iPhones play different animations depending on the first-party case or MagSafe charger. Apple plans to expand this functionality further.

In the patent, Apple notes: “For example, some accessories inadvertently create a ‘heat trap’ due to their location in an electronic device.

“Furthermore, advances in processor technology enable faster processing for electronic devices, but generate more heat during operation,” it added.

Now let’s talk about how Apple can differentiate between the MagSafe case and the MagSafe charger and play different animations accordingly. Apple says this is all due to a “magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field from outside the case.” And it can “compare the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor to a predetermined magnetic field.” This allows the iPhone to distinguish between products and play animations accordingly.

Later, in connection with the patent application, Apple reveals that it will expand the system by introducing a new level of information recognition. “The accessory may also contain a wireless data transmission circuit placed in the bottom wall,” notes Apple. “The wireless communication circuit can be configured to send information to the portable electronic device after authentication based on the magnetic field vector,” Apple added.

In theory, Apple could use this system to tell iOS about different tolerances and how to fit a particular accessory. This patent would also allow it to get more information about the accessory wirelessly and use that information to authenticate and identify it.

It’s not clear if or when Apple will implement this, but it looks like they’re looking for new ways to make MagSafe more useful than just magnets and wireless charging. It will be interesting to see how this works in real life use cases.